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Maritime security recommendations for operations in the Persian Gulf
ALERT07 JAN 2021
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Industry organizations remind ship operators and seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea to remain vigilant and listen for military warnings at all times.
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Loading soya beans in Brazil – practical guidance
ALERT16 DEC 2020
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Our local correspondent Representacoes Proinde Ltda. has published a comprehensive guide on the soya bean trade in Brazil and we recommend it as a useful source of reference and practical information.
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New immigration controls for seafarers entering Brazil
ALERT10 DEC 2020
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A valid Seafarer Identity Document issued in accordance with ILO Convention 185 is the only “maritime identity document” that will be accepted as proof of the bearer’s eligibility for visa waiver by the Brazilian immigration authorities.
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California clamps down on air pollution from ships at berth
ALERT05 NOV 2020
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In just over one month, California issued the largest penalty to date for violations of its at-berth emissions regulation and announced a further strengthenining of the same regulation, proposing to include emissions reduction requirements at additional ports and for new types of vessel such as ro-ro vessels and tankers.
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Increased security threats to vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea
ALERT22 OCT 2020
The Gulf of Guinea traditionally sees an increase in piracy attacks during the dry season, i.e. between October and March when sea conditions abate. Major industry organizations therefore cautions masters plying their trade in this region and recommend full adherence to the BMP West Africa guidelines.
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Do not switch off the AIS in Nigerian waters
ALERT16 OCT 2020
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Despite the elevated piracy risk in the Gulf of Guinea, ships operating in the region should maintain their automatic identification systems (AIS) in operation at all times.
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US EPA proposes new vessel discharge standards
ALERT13 OCT 2020
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Updated 17 November 2020
When the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act was signed into US law in December 2018, the US Environmental Protection Agency was given two years to develop new national discharge standards for vessels that are at least as stringent as the discharge requirements established in its 2013 Vessel General Permit scheme.
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GPS interference and jamming on the increase
ALERT29 SEP 2020
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Ships have reported an increasing number of cases of significant GPS interference and jamming in recent months. The geographic areas with more than one reported incident include the eastern and central Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and multiple Chinese ports. This interference and jamming have resulted in loss of or inaccurate GPS signals and has affected vessels’ navigation and communication equipment.
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Expected rise in the number of fishing vessels in Chinese waters - Update
ALERT17 AUG 2020
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As the seasonal fishing ban comes to an end in China, shipowners and managers are advised to take additional precautions when planning a voyage to and from Chinese ports due to the increased number of fishing vessels in Chinese waters. This is an update to the alert issued on this topic in 2017.
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USCG releases new ballast water management reporting form
ALERT13 AUG 2020
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On 20 July 2020 the United States Coast Guard adopted revisions to its Ballast Water Management (BWM) Reporting Form. The new reporting form replaces all previous versions and the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) will no longer accept older versions of the form.
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Reducing the risk of collisions at sea
ALERT11 AUG 2020
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Failure to maintain a proper lookout and to take early avoiding action are common contributing factors to collisions, say Australian authorities.
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AMSA inspection campaign to focus on stowage and securing of containers
ALERT27 JUL 2020
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In response to several incidents of containers being lost into the sea, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has initiated a focused inspection campaign on container stowage and securing arrangements, both fixed and portable, that will run from 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020.
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The importance of manifold and first foot samples at load ports
ALERT24 JUL 2020
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Following the standard tanker practices of sampling when loading petroleum products could save owners millions of dollars in claims and save loss of time and ensuing losses for charterers and shipowners. When it comes to dealing with liquid cargo contamination claims, majority of the losses could have been avoided if the vessel had followed basic tanker seamanship practice.
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Emergency preparedness on the PSC agenda
ALERT15 JUL 2020
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Muster lists lacking sufficient detail was one of the most notable deficiencies found by port state control regimes during their concentrated inspection campaign on emergency systems in 2019.
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Turkey – a case of undeclared bunker
ALERT09 JUL 2020
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Undeclared/excess bunkers can be considered a criminal act by Turkish customs officials with the ship's crew being accused of smuggling.
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Be prepared to document carbon emissions during PSC inspections
ALERT30 JUN 2020
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By 30 June 2020, ships that used EU ports in 2019 must carry onboard a document certifying that they have fulfilled their obligations under the EU regulation for monitoring, reporting and verification of CO2 emissions for the 2019 reporting period. The comparable deadline under the global IMO data collection system was 31 May 2020.
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South Korea implements additional emission reduction initiatives in major port areas
ALERT11 JUN 2020
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Updated 19 August 2020
From 1 September 2020 all ships anchored or at berth in the Korean ports of Incheon, Pyeongtaek-Dangjin, Yeosu-Gwangyang, Busan and Ulsan must burn fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.10%.
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Signing on with a pre joining medical condition? Carry and take prescribed medication on time
ALERT09 JUN 2020
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Every seafarer has to go through a pre-joining medical examination where a doctor verifies their fitness for the upcoming contractual period. Some seafarers may be declared fit for the tour of duty under conditions that may require regular medication. In Gard, we see a significant number of cases where the seafarer who was declared fit for the contractual duration under medication, reports sick because of either a lack of medication or simply not being able to manage his or her medication routine.
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Impacts of marine fauna on shipping
ALERT04 JUN 2020
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While shipping traffic is one of many human activities in the ocean that may have an adverse impact on marine life, the opposite is also true. The presence of marine fauna in some geographic regions can pose a serious threat to the safety of ships and the individual seafarer.
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Don’t forget the real purpose of risk assessments
ALERT27 MAY 2020
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When doing a risk assessment, we often overcomplicate it and forget its real purpose.
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